[siross]

Morning chaps,

In my quest for a car I'm weighing up which car and also which optional extras I'd like from the car. Originally my only real wants were the HK audio upgrade and the Professional Nav. However, after seeing some of the options that are fitted on this forum, they are certainly tempted.

I've seen a couple of cars within price range, one is a 330d X Drive and the other is a 328i. Below is a comparison of the spec:

Left = 328i Right = 330d.



For a bit of context the 330d I've managed to negotiate the 330d down to £23k. The 328i is up for £22k without any negotiation.

The major set back to the 328i is the lack of HK but I know this can be upgraded. Having said that if I wanted a professional installation of the Bavsound upgrade I'd be looking at £1k at least I'd have thought. The 328i does have the adaptive suspension though, this wasn't on my radar previously, any opinions on it's worth?

The 330d also has the nice to haves of the folding mirrors and electric memory seats.

Given the information above, which do you think is the "better" car?

Cheers guys and apologies for all my threads!

[leon1984]

330d is a better engine than the 328i. So on that basis I would get that car, I would also value leccy seats over adaptive suspension but I prefer consistent feel to a car

[siross]

Originally Posted by leon1984

330d is a better engine than the 328i. So on that basis I would get that car, I would also value leccy seats over adaptive suspension but I prefer consistent feel to a car

Thanks pal, I wasn't really sure the benefit to adaptive suspension...

Also, I'm assuming the residuals of the diesel engine will be stronger? I'd be looking at it's value in 3-4 years time.

The 328i has 30k on the clock (June 2013) and the 330d has 45k on the clock (September 2014).

[MarkG_M5Comp]

Based on your list, no question - the 330d would be my choice.

I have adaptive on both our cars but would be happy to lose it tbh. There are other ways of 'fixing' the suspension if it's not to your liking.

[SkyJawa]

That list doesn't make sense. All F31 have powered boot. 330d says no msport package and sun protection but further down says M Sport Package and is ticked so it does!

Either way it depends on how you like the power delivered, the 330d will be more effortless. Personally I'd go with (and did) the 330d.

Also has the added bonus of another Derv owner to piss off NTG

[siross]

Originally Posted by MarkG335

Based on your list, no question - the 330d would be my choice.

I have adaptive on both our cars but would be happy to lose it tbh. There are other ways of 'fixing' the suspension if it's not to your liking.

Good point, from what I've read the ACS springs are a no brainer addition to the X Drive?

[siross]

Originally Posted by SkyJawa

That list doesn't make sense. All F31 have powered boot. 330d says no msport package and sun protection but further down says M Sport Package and is ticked so it does!

Either way it depends on how you like the power delivered, the 330d will be more effortless. Personally I'd go with (and did) the 330d.

Also has the added bonus of another Derv owner to piss off NTG

Although my experience of driving diesels has been limited to my Dad's Astra 1.9 cdti with tuning box, I loved driving it! I love the feeling of the torque!

[MarkG_M5Comp]

Originally Posted by siross

Good point, from what I've read the ACS springs are a no brainer addition to the X Drive?

Indeed so - I lasted 18,000 miles then had to get them fitted. I'd still prefer not to have been in that position and think the standard Sport suspension is the way to go. So if speccing a non-MSport, springs may be needed.

TBH they are so cheap it's worth doing.

[Andy30D]

23k for a 330d m sport sept 2014?

Jesus...good for you OP but bad for us already owning one!!

If it does have m sport plus pack, I'm biased, but would go for that.

What mileage you Gna be doing good sir?


Andy

[Apl440i or 335d?]

330d. No contest I'm afraid. 340i>330d>335d>325d>320d>328i in my opinion.

The 330i is better I have heard...?

[roshambo]

From the two, it would be wiser to opt for the diesel. But 45k miles after 2 years is on the high side, no? I imagine you've seen this car in person and checked all the service requirements have been met? If it has a service pack, it won't last much longer lol.

Have you even thought about buying new? It could work out cheaper if you're financing the car especially with the amount of contributions that have been given on them. You may well be surprised!

[Andy30D]

Just had a check on auto trader and for another 4-5k you could look at a very nearly new or even pre ref 328i.

But IMO 330d is better.

Also the 30d engine is a mile muncher, 45k in what, 14 months? It's been used but only for what it was made for. I'd be worried if that mileage was on a petrol.

RE the options, you prioritise them how you want OP, on here is just people's opinions, and some of them are Greek for example, I see no point in HUD but some swear by it!

[WeaverBeaver]

Ultimately depends on what you're looking for as both cars give a different experience - 330d torquey diesel 4wd, vs. 328i high revving petrol rwd. For some people that will already make their minds up.

However, if it was I would go for the 330d any day given:
- 6 cylinders
- quicker with much more torque
- more economical
- better residuals
- The 328i has now been superceded by the LCI 330i while the 330d remains unchanged
- 328i although still quick is not a particularly 'special' engine, needs flogging and doesn't sound nice, so makes the 'sacrifice' of going diesel much easier
- traction benefits of xdrive
- HK audio - standard audio is crap
- folding mirrors and leccy seats
- It's a newer car by over a year which should offset the 15k extra mileage in the valuation. That should also bring with it any changes in MY14 models

Depends on personal preference, but xdrive without adaptive will be more 'wallowy' then the 328i given SE suspension. But as already said easy and not too expensive to sort with ACS springs if you're not happy with ride/height - certainly cheaper than upgrading the stereo in 328i.

One other thing I'd say (depending on your budget and how long you can wait) is it won't be too long until you should be able to get a used 335d xdrive similar in spec to the 330d above for similar money or slightly more, given the list price of 335d vs 330d with xdrive specced is fairly small.

[robbiep]

You might want to re-read through the spec on each again.
Half way down, you show the 328i as having Msport pack, and 330d not having it.
At the bottom, it's reversed, with the 330d having it, and the 328i not.

[leon1984]

Originally Posted by WeaverBeaver

- 328i although still quick is not a particularly 'special' engine, needs flogging and doesn't sound nice, so makes the 'sacrifice' of going diesel much easier
.

You would think NTG would be much more accommodating of diesels having come from that engine wouldn't you

[siross]

Originally Posted by MarkG335

Indeed so - I lasted 18,000 miles then had to get them fitted. I'd still prefer not to have been in that position and think the standard Sport suspension is the way to go. So if speccing a non-MSport, springs may be needed.

TBH they are so cheap it's worth doing.

I had a look on the website and was surprised how much they are, they will cost another ~£300 to fit though won't they? That puts me off slightly, there's on way I'd do it myself.

Originally Posted by Andy30D

23k for a 330d m sport sept 2014?

Jesus...good for you OP but bad for us already owning one!!

If it does have m sport plus pack, I'm biased, but would go for that.

What mileage you Gna be doing good sir?

Andy

Sorry it's June 2014 not September, only a couple of months difference.

I'm going to be doing around 8k a year so in 3 years time I'd estimate it would have ~70k on the clock.

Originally Posted by Apl000?

330d. No contest I'm afraid. 340i>330d>335d>325d>320d>328i in my opinion.

The 330i is better I have heard...?

Wow really? There's not a cat in hells chance I can afford a 340i, unless I find a sugar daddy with very low standards

The most surprising thing there is you put the 330d above the 335d???

Originally Posted by roshambo

From the two, it would be wiser to opt for the diesel. But 45k miles after 2 years is on the high side, no? I imagine you've seen this car in person and checked all the service requirements have been met? If it has a service pack, it won't last much longer lol.

Have you even thought about buying new? It could work out cheaper if you're financing the car especially with the amount of contributions that have been given on them. You may well be surprised!

The car is an approved used, I've not seen it in person yet no. I was slightly concerned about 45k being a bit high but I would assume that is motorway mileage given the timescale.

I'm going to enquire about a service pack, see if they can add one on at a discount

I've had a look at new cars but when I start to add extras with the minimum being HK sound and Professional Media, I was getting quotes of £5000 deposit and £350 a month. Over a 48 month term that equates to £21,800 and I wouldn't own the car. Then add on electric memory seats, folding mirrors, black panel display, heated seats, adaptive xenons etc the monthly cost would go through the roof!

Originally Posted by Andy30D

Just had a check on auto trader and for another 4-5k you could look at a very nearly new or even pre ref 328i.

But IMO 330d is better.

Also the 30d engine is a mile muncher, 45k in what, 14 months? It's been used but only for what it was made for. I'd be worried if that mileage was on a petrol.

RE the options, you prioritise them how you want OP, on here is just people's opinions, and some of them are Greek for example, I see no point in HUD but some swear by it!

£23k is already blowing my budget by £3k, there's no way I could get another £4-5k. Also, would there be any benefit? A nearly new 328i has a lot more depreciating to do than a 2 year old 330d non?

[siross]

Originally Posted by WeaverBeaver

Ultimately depends on what you're looking for as both cars give a different experience - 330d torquey diesel 4wd, vs. 328i high revving petrol rwd. For some people that will already make their minds up.

However, if it was I would go for the 330d any day given:
- 6 cylinders
- quicker with much more torque
- more economical
- better residuals
- The 328i has now been superceded by the LCI 330i while the 330d remains unchanged
- 328i although still quick is not a particularly 'special' engine, needs flogging and doesn't sound nice, so makes the 'sacrifice' of going diesel much easier
- traction benefits of xdrive
- HK audio - standard audio is crap
- folding mirrors and leccy seats
- It's a newer car by over a year which should offset the 15k extra mileage in the valuation. That should also bring with it any changes in MY14 models

Depends on personal preference, but xdrive without adaptive will be more 'wallowy' then the 328i given SE suspension. But as already said easy and not too expensive to sort with ACS springs if you're not happy with ride/height - certainly cheaper than upgrading the stereo in 328i.

One other thing I'd say (depending on your budget and how long you can wait) is it won't be too long until you should be able to get a used 335d xdrive similar in spec to the 330d above for similar money or slightly more, given the list price of 335d vs 330d with xdrive specced is fairly small.

Thanks for this, this is what I was thinking too really.

The cheapest UAC 335d X Drive is still holding on to £30k!

At that money I'd be getting the 335i!

Originally Posted by robbiep

You might want to re-read through the spec on each again.
Half way down, you show the 328i as having Msport pack, and 330d not having it.
At the bottom, it's reversed, with the 330d having it, and the 328i not.

I'm not sure what's happened on the BMW website to be honest. They are both definitely M Sport models

[Andy30D]

I can't quote on the app for some reason, but agree with the e 330d being better than the 335d. The only difference for me is a few 10ths 0-60. And all the hassle of changing springs etc.

Is this 330d s drive or X drive?

If it's s drive it's a no brainier!

Also Yh you're right RE depreciation, I would say if you can stretch 3k over it would be well worth it!

Mines June 2014 too with 33k on the clock, and I wouldn't accept 23k! So it's a good deal IMO!

[WeaverBeaver]

Guys the OP is looking at a 330d xDrive so saying the 330d s drive is better than the 335d is not really helpful...

It's also a load of pish - I've had both.

[Andy30D]

Oh okay then springs and stuff!

I've driven both and prefer the 330d but maybe that's because it's s drive! I like checking the boot area when cornering

I still think the 6cyl is the best choice here

[siross]

Thanks chaps, you're all helping me make up my mind

Slightly concerned that the X Drive isn't particularly well thought of, how come? I'm not expecting to climb snowy mountains in it by the way

[John435D]

If I were choosing between the 2 cars I would go for the 330D anyway but if I was undecided, the last 8 options ticked would sway me. M sport plus pack, HK, comfort access, leccy seats its all good!

Then fit MPPK when budget allows then it'll be more or less as quick as the 335 too, and you may not bother with the ACS springs as it depends on what you want out of a car.